Proposition 71 Gains Slightly in Poll

A new poll in California shows only a slight gain in public support for Proposition 71, a measure that would costs taxpayers $6 billion to pay for embryonic stem cell research.

According to the California Field Poll of likely voters, support for Proposition 71 has increased to a 46 to 39 percent margin, LifeNews reported.

The 7 point advantage is a shift from the three point lead the same poll found in August showing 45 percent in support and 42 percent of California residents opposed, the report added.

However, with millions of dollars spent promoting it, it is expected that number of supporters for the measure should be higher.

Wayne Johnson, a spokesman for a group of taxpayers and doctors opposed to the embryonic stem cell research proposal, says "These are outstanding numbers for us, now is when they should be getting out front. You can't turn on the television without seeing their spots."

Johnson said many voters will flinch when they see the $6 billion price tag for the destructive research.

Along with Johnson, opponents of the measure reason that funding for such research projects would increase the state’s debt in addition to its already damaged economy.

Opponents also say that 50% of the costs for the initiative will go to pay interest on the bonds and that only 30% of the entire funding proposal will actually back the research.

"Once we succumb to the false principle that medical benefits justify exploitative research, there will be an ever-expanding group who will become targets of harmful research in the name of medical progress," Dr. David Stevens, executive director of Christian Medical Association, said.